Document Type
Article
Journal/Book Title/Conference
The Prindle Post
Publication Date
10-1-2019
Abstract
Earlier this month, the famous sketch comedy program Saturday Night Live announced that Shane Gillis would be joining the troupe. The comedian was allegedly cast in an attempt to appeal to more conservative potential viewers. In recent years, the show has been perceived by many to have a liberal bias, and its creators wanted to draw more politically diverse viewership. Several days later, however, SNL announced that Gillis would not be joining the cast after all. The show’s representatives acknowledged that they cast Gillis on the basis of the strength of his audition, but failed to adequately vet him before offering him the job. In the days immediately following the casting announcement, comedic material surfaced that many found appalling. A good number of the offensive remarks came from a podcast co-hosted by Gillis in which he makes unambiguously racist, sexist, homophobic, and transphobic remarks. There are also recordings of Gillis making rape jokes and mocking people with disabilities.
Recommended Citation
Robison-Green, Rachel. "When is Comedy Over the Line? The Departure of Shane Gillis from SNL.". The Prindle Post. https://www.prindlepost.org/2019/10/when-is-comedy-over-the-line-the-departure-of-shane-gillis-from-snl/
